The portrayal of paranoid schizophrenia in the film A Beautiful Mind is creating controversy. Is it possible, as the film posits, that a person afflicted with this illness can keep it under control through sheer willpower? Is there a connection between mental illness and genius? Have treatments for schizophrenia changed over time? Are mental patients facing institutionalization likely to end up in horrific snake pits, as portrayed in the movie? Today's guest Patrick Cody is online to answer your questions about the disease.

Patrick Cody is the vice president of communications for the National Mental Health Association.

Long Valley, NJ :
I know that recovery from mental illness is possible, but it worries me that my son, who is currently taking an anti-psychotic medication, may take from the movie that he will be ok without treatment. He has stopped his meds several times in the past and always ended up in trouble. What can I say to him about the importnace of sticking with treatment?

Patrick Cody:
Treatment is key to long-term recovery. Continuity of care is a key to positive outcome. Going off medicine predicts a relapse. Unfortunately, some research suggests that each relapse can worsen the condition. Good treatment is more than medication. There's also support programs, education programs. A lot of research shows that family involvement is key to successful treatment.Anderson, SC :
I am a psychiatric nurse and would like to know if you can share with me sites that are most informative re: mental illness---I am especially interested in pt. and family education regarding these illnesses.

Patrick Cody:
Try our Web site at www.nmha.org. We can give you information on psycho-social rehabilitation programs, and to our affiliates. Another good one is for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill: www.nami.org. The National Institute of Mental Health is at www.nimh.nih.gov.West Chester, PA :
Just how do you respond to the question "is it possible for a personafflicted with schizo- phrenia to keep it under control by sheer willpower"?

Patrick Cody:
I think it's almost impossible, because the delusiions and hallucinations are s strong, and the illness is characterized by inability to distinguish delusions from reality. On tbe other hand, someone with very high intelligence probably has more resources available to help them in their recovery. The movie pointed out that the illness and the older medications can dampen and individual's spontenaety and intellectual acuity.Portsmith, NH :
From what I see in the news media, people with schizophrenia are prone to violence more than the average person. Why can't we give these folks the medications they need? Do they just forget to take it cause they are so delusional?

Patrick Cody:
I think there's two answers. Research shows that people with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. The issue of forced treatment is very controversial. People have reported never wanting to see a psychiatrist again after forced hospitalization. We feel its important to make treatment user-friendly. We think forced medication might be effective in the short run, but counterproductive in the long run.Bel Air, MD :
My 24 year oldaughter, who has schizoaffective disorder, is involved with a male with the same disorder (both take medication and are 90 percent of the time functional). If they should produce a child, what are the chances the child will inherit mental illness?

Patrick Cody:
Because it's a genetic illness, that child will be genetically loaded for mental illness. By the way, schizoaffective disorder is different from schizophrenia.DC :
In the movie, Nash is shown being treated for his mental illness with insulin injections. Why was this treatment used?

Patrick Cody:
In the old days, they thought it produced a catharsis in the brain. Probably what it did was stupify the patient. It was rejected as a treatment not long after. I can say that in the 60s and 70s, old anti-psychotics like Thorazine were used which were good at stopping hallucinations and delusions, but they did nothing about the withdrawal and depression. The new medicines that came out in the 80s that are used to day help with delusions, hallucinations and mood, so people in treatment are more engaged in the world. The movie showed John Nash's withdrawal very well, and his improved functioning with new medication.Boise, Idaho :
Do we know for sure what the root cause of schizophrenia is?

Patrick Cody:
Unfortunately no. It does appear to have a very strong genetic basis, but there are interesting theories. One is that a viral infection during early gestation can cause it.Comment from Patrick Cody:
The typical path of the illness is that it hits people in their teens and early 20s, when they're experiencing a lot of life changes.Typically the first psychotic break comes in a time of high stress.calif :
Did the movie truely portray the schizophrenia or was glorified by Hollywood?

Patrick Cody:
I was so surprised at what a good job they did with it. The movie's portrayal of John Nash reminded me of a friend of mine -- the way he moved his hands, stood, and sat in his chair. I thought a couple of the things they did well was his disorganized mind, as well as his disengagement and the great pain in his marriage.Roslyn, Pennsylvania :
Is there a connection between mental illness and genius?

Patrick Cody:
Some people have looked into that, and perhaps with bipolar disorder there is a connection to creativity. That illness, particularly in the manic phase, really drives people to productive and sometimes very creative thoughts and actions. I would like to stress that mental illness hits everyone in all walks of life -- one in five Americans have a diagnosable illness, and half of those have a serious illness that impairs their functioning.Richmond, VA :
I loved the movie. What message about mental health did you find most poignant?

Patrick Cody:
I think the issue of hope and recovery, that even despite an illness as severe as schizophrenia someone can contribute to society and live a very valuable and valued life.Des Moines IA :
What are your thoughts of the traditionally negative and erroneous views Hollywood has portrayed of persons with schizophrnia in TV and on screen.

Patrick Cody:
I think it's horrible. It feeds discrimination, bias and prejudice. It feeds some of the horrible practices in this country, such as insurance discrimination. Ultimately I believe it costs lives.Comment from Patrick Cody:
Medications are part of a treatment, but they're not the be all and end all. Individuals bring a lot to the table, and it's important for communities to bring something to the table as well, in the form of community based treatment. It's time to end the stigma.